Lemon Almond Biscotti

Adapted from Giada De Laurentiis's original recipe

• 2 cups Pamela's baking mix
  
• 3/4 cup cornmeal
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
  
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 3 tablespoons grated lemon zest (from about 3 lemons)
• 3/4 cup coarsely chopped whole almonds
• 6 ounces white chocolate chips (or coarsely chopped baking bars)
  
• OPTIONAL: add another 12 ounces of melted white chocolate for dipping
• 

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt. In another large bowl, beat the sugar and eggs with an electric mixture, about 3 minutes. Mix in the lemon zest and then the flour, and beat until just blended. (The dough will be sticky). Stir in the almonds and white chocolate. Let the dough rest for 5 minutes.

Divide the dough into 2 equal mounds and place on a baking sheet lined with wax paper. Space the dough evenly apart and form into 2 (9 by-3-inch) logs. Bake for 35 minutes until lightly browned. Cool for 5 minutes. Using a serrated knife, cut the logs into 3/4-inch-thick diagonal slices. Arrange the biscotti cut side down on the same baking sheet. Bake about 20-25 minutes additional minutes, flipping them over half way through.

OPTIONAL: Dip the end of each biscotti in melted white chocolate. Transfer the dipped biscotti to a wire rack, set over a baking sheet, or a sheet of wax paper until the chocolate has hardened. Store in an airtight container.

Enjoy plain or with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

GF Baby Showers

Baby and I have been spoiled. Very very spoiled. Both my mother and mother in law have thrown us beautiful baby showers in the past few weeks and we have been spoiled with amazing food and tons of baby goodies. Naturally being a food blog, I wanted to brag about all the delicious food that was made for us :) Maybe this will help plan your next gluten free shower.

GAINESVILLE SHOWER Lunch
* Poached Salmon
* Shrimp Cocktail
* Strawberry, Spinach Salad
* Risotto
Dessert
* chocolate covered strawberries
* coconut macaroons
* gluten free chocolate cupcakes
ORLANDO SHOWER
Brunch
* Chicken salad (chicken, mayo, pecans, grapes, and honey)-so amazing
* Meatballs
* Antipasto skewers (salami, olives, and cheese dressed up in italian dressing)
* Veggie tray
* Fruit tray
Dessert
* Chocolate fondue with fruit
* 365 brand Brownies (My new favorite box mix) with a cream cheese/fluff/whipped cream frosting
* Chocolate monkey pops

2 car loads full of stuff and 4 pounds heavier, we are happy to report that we are two very spoiled girls. Counting down the days till Baby McKeeby is here and feeling extremely appreciative of all of our friends and family:)

Turkey wraps

Sometimes the best things in life are the simplest things. Its been crazy lately (approaching FCAT, fighting the never ending 'kid crud', and growing this baby- 7 weeks to go). Although eating is always at the front of my mind, making dinner is not (as you can see from my very neglected blog).
For those nights, here is an easy and simple solution. Serve these wraps with a salad, veggies, or fresh fruit for a full meal :)* Food For Life Rice Tortillas
* sliced Boar's head Ovengold turkey
* guacamole (or for really lazy nights, sliced avocado and tomatoes)
* slice of provolone
* lettuce
* cucumber slices

Fill the tortilla, wrap, and enjoy :)